BASKETBALL SHOTS
A good basketball shot is one that is taken within the shooter’s good shooting range without him having to change his shooting style. A good basketball shooter is expected to make the shot at all times. Shooting a basketball requires skill and concentration, good balance and a lot of practice. The release of the shot relies on proper finger and wrist control of the ball, that is proper grip. Many different techniques can be used to get the ball through the basketball hoop. These are known as shots. There are four shots that are commonly used by players in a game which when learnt can enable a player to play from anywhere on the court. Learning these shots help to make a player better and more skilful at the sport.
These four shots are
Set shot
This shot is made when standing with both feet on the ground. It is usually the first shot that is taught in a basketball game and the one that is most commonly used. This is also the shot that is used when free throws are given.
Jump shot
This shot is made while jumping in the air. The shot must be taken while the player is still in the air. It is important to shoot the ball while in the air because if the shot is not taken before the feet touch the ground it is a foul. This shot allows elevation and is therefore advantageous when getting over a defense. This shot also gives more power than the set shot.
Layup
This is a motion shot as it is made while the player is running and jumping toward the basket. The player runs up the side of the hoop most often using the backboard to guide the ball into the basket.
Slam Dunk
This is the most exciting shot in basketball and it is also the shot that people want to see most. In this shot the player has to reach the basketball hoop and really put the ball in the basket. This shot can be taken from any angle. The player has to get away from the guard completely and gain access to the hoop. The player gains height which puts him in a position where he is over the basket enabling him to shoot the ball down instead of up as with other shots.
Other shots are
Bank Shot
In this shot the backboard is used to help guide the ball through the basket. The player has to determine the angle at which the ball will hit the backboard and at what angle it will rebound. Once the correct angle is ascertained, the ball will go through the hoop.
Hook Shot
This shot is commonly used by centers where the shot is made from the painted area of the court in front of the hoop. The player should use his body to keep off the defender then make the shot.